‘Watershed moment’ for child sex abuse victims as changes to law announced

The Government has announced a three-year time limit on launching civil action over child abuse will be lifted, and it will be easier for survivors to receive an apology from predators’ workplaces

“Long overdue” reforms to help child sex abuse victims seek justice through compensation claims have been announced.

A three-year time limit will be scrapped – meaning survivors can make civil claims when they are ready. New rules will also make it easier to get apologies in what campaigners branded a “watershed moment”.

The measures were recommended by a seven-year public inquiry into child sexual abuse, which heard from over 7,000 victims. It comes after the Government pledged to bring in mandatory reporting – another key demand of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).

Changes to the Limitation Law will see the three-year time limit for victims to bring personal injury claims removed. It would also shift the burden of proof moved from victims to defendants – meaning those accused would have to show a fair trial cannot proceed if they intend to block one.

And employers such as schools, hospitals and care facilities will also be encouraged to apologise to people abused by their staff. The Ministry of Justice announced the law will be amended to prevent fear around institutional liability getting in the way.

Gabrielle Shaw, chief executive of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC), described the latest announcements as a “watershed moment for survivors of child sexual abuse”. She said: “These reforms recognise the long-term impact of trauma and ensure survivors are not excluded from seeking redress simply because of the time taken to come forward.

“NAPAC also welcomes greater clarity on apologies. A sincere apology, when freely given and supported by meaningful action, is invaluable – especially as part of wider efforts to ensure accountability and prevent future harm.” Prof Alexis Jay, who chaired the IICSA, said apologies should be “genuine and meaningful”, made directly to the individual and, if requested, face-to-face.

Her report added: “A conditional statement, such as ‘if you were abused, then we are sorry’, is not an apology.” Justice Secretary Shahbana Mahmood said: “Child sexual abuse causes lifelong trauma and these important changes, recommended by Professor Jay, are long overdue. These measures help survivors pursue their path to justice.”

Justice Minister Sarah Sackman said: “By changing the law, it will now be possible for victims to come forward and seek justice when they feel ready to do so.” The IICSA made 20 recommendations in its final report in 2022.

None of these were enacted by the Tories, and last month Prof Jay claimed she was ignored by No10 and the Home Office when she called for progress. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has said the Government will lay out a clear timetable by Easter for implementing the recommendations in the final report.